Do I increase Levo or T3?

[patrabu25]

Hi folks,

I have recently added T3 to my Levothyroxine and my blood test results are as follows. Any advice whether I should increase my Levo or maybe best to increase T3? My hair is falling out and thinning massively and I am also experiencing some lovely extra sweating. Would this mean I am getting hypo? My doctor wants me on T3 only for a while but I am scared. Please help.

This was done on Levo 50mcg, and T3 5mcg (twice daily)

TSH - 2.34 (0.40-4.00)

FT3 - 2.4 (2.8-6.6)

FT4 - 12.9 (11.5-22.7)

Is it safe to go with the T3 only option?

Thanks in advance!

[Clutter]

Patrabu25,

How long did you leave between last T3 dose and blood draw?

[patrabu25 in reply to Clutter]

12 hours

[Clutter in reply to patrabu25]

Patrabu25,

You are undermedicated to have TSH 2.34 and FT3 is below range. There's no need to switch to T3 only, there are benefits to having T4 and T3. I would increase T3 dose to raise FT3.

[patrabu25 in reply to Clutter]

Thank you.

[shaws]

Well, I am on T3 only and am happy to say I am well, I have no clinical symptoms and in good health.

Considering that T3 is the only thyroid hormone which is needed in our T3 receptor cells, I don't think you should be nervous. Although on listening to some doctors and their preference for prescribing T4 (levothyroxine) alone and then ignoring patients' clinical symptoms and they never check FT4 or FT3. Read on the following about why these two should at times be checked, particularly if patient is complaining of continuing symptoms.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/testin...

Your combined dose at present is too low as your FT3 and FT4 are below range.

[patrabu25 in reply to shaws]

Yes. I do know my dose is too low. I was asking which medication would be better to increase. I would like to start trying to conceive once I have the levels sorted and don't think being on T3 alone will be safe for pregnancy.

[Clutter in reply to patrabu25]

Patrabu25,

There is a lack of evidence showing that T3 is safe during pregnancy but that is not the same as saying it is unsafe. In the UK doctors will usually try to persuade women to switch to Levothyroxine only during pregnancy.

[trelemorele]

If it was my bloods and I had access to t3 I would go with t3 increase

[Aurealis in reply to trelemorele]

Me too